I was seeking treatment to address a large fibroid, and CT imaging confirmed I had a polyp in my colon. I went to schedule a colonoscopy as a follow-up and after the procedure my doctor let me know it was a tumor and could not be removed during the screening test. The next day I went for surgery to have laparoscopic surgery to remove part of my colon. All I could remember is that Memorial Day was right around the corner, and I was preparing for my daughter’s high school graduation and party. My diagnosis was a complete shock no signs, symptoms, or family history it was found incidentally! The worst news of it all was after the surgery a few days later they determined it was stage III colon cancer. About 20 lymph nodes were removed along with the mass and 3 of the lymph nodes were cancerous. The next part of the journey was getting a procedure to address the fibroid before beginning chemotherapy in July (FolFOX 3 months treatment 6 rounds). I have always been an advocate for colorectal cancer screening, but it was a different world once diagnosed and deemed living with cancer!

I joined the CRC community due to my current employment at the American College of Radiology working on cancer policy and advocacy activities. I am 38 years old and diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in May 2024 and undergoing chemotherapy treatment until October 2024. I was devastated, this was unexpected and occurred during a time when my oldest child was graduating from high school and planning to attend college. I am hoping to become a cancer survivor and share my story for the underserved minority communities.